Eurythmics: 1984. Album review



			Released: 19. Nov 1984
		1984 (For the Love of Big Brother)	Released: 19. Nov 1984



		[an error occurred while processing this directive]

01. I Did It Just the Same - 3:29

02. Sexcrime (nineteen eighty-four) - 3:59

03. For the Love of Big Brother - 5:06

04. Winston's Diary - 1:22

05. Greetings from a Dead Man - 6:14

06. Julia - 6:40

07. Doubleplusgood - 4:41

08. Ministry of Love - 3:48

09. Room 101 - 3:50

Total time: 39:11
All songs by Lennox/Stewart

Eurythmics fourth album was a soundtrack to the film adaptation of George Orwell's classic book "Nineteen Eighty-Four" about a totalitarian society under constant surveillance. The film starred John Hurt and was directed by Michael Radford. Eurythmics' soundtrack to the film demonstrates the duo's diversity and their continuing pursuit of musical innovation. Though not a pop album of easy-to-hum tunes, this record manages to capture the dark element of Orwell's vision and produce some memorable moments in the history of 80s rock.

The album is mostly instrumental, powered by rich, orchestral synth that creates an eerie mood of edginess and uncertainty. Still, songs like "Sexcrime" (released as a first single) and "I Did It Just The Same" recall the icy funk of the group's former albums, giving the record an element of powerful dance. Lyrical mastery is achieved on "Julia" (single no. 2), a haunting ballad infused with the loneliness of Annie's hallowed voice. And songs like "Doubleplusgood" brilliantly link the record to the themes of the film.

The director of the film (Michael Radford) expressed discontent with the music Eurythmics made for his film and was disappointed. Calling the music too trendy, he later said he regretted allowing the group to produce the soundtrack.

Radford's displeasure aside, the album is seamlessly produced driven by strong purpose and emotion.

Notable Songs: I Did It Just The Same, Sexcrime, For The Love Of Big Brother, Julia, Doubleplusgood

Review by Andrew Ritchie and dedicated to Norm Authier. Sources: "Annie Lennox: Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This" by Lucy O'Brien; "Annie Lennox" by Lucien Randall.